June 27, 2022 (ATHENS, GA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting a Feral Swine Damage survey to measure the costs of feral swine damage to crop operations.

The current feral swine population in the United States may exceed six million individuals across at least 35 states. The annual damage and control costs are more than $1.5 billion, and $150 million for Georgia alone in 2014.

Feral swine are best known for their destruction to agriculture, such as row crops, forestry, livestock, and pastures. However, they also cause great risks to health and safety by harboring and transmitting diseases. They are known to carry or transmit at least 30 diseases (viral and bacterial) as well as host a minimum of 37 parasites that can affect humans, pets, wildlife, and livestock.

This month, Farm Monitor’s Ranger Nick segment highlights the damage and issues surrounding invasive feral swine, some control best practices, and ongoing research funded through the Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project.